Lab-grown diamond wholesale prices rose across several key categories in Q3 2026. The gains are still uneven, but stronger consumer demand, rising rough prices and supply-chain consolidation point to a potential price floor after years of steep price declines.

Indian diamond manufacturers are increasing lab-grown diamond production to gain supply chain autonomy from mining allocations. While LGDs represent 60% of export volume at an average $61 per carat, their rapid few months turnover cycle delivers faster cash flow and higher margins than natural diamonds. This is how LGDs give India control over their supply chain

Global natural diamond production has officially fallen below 100 million carats for the first time since 2004, marking a permanent shift in market supply. At the same time, De Beers is shaking up its distribution network with sweeping cuts to its Sightholder list under a new Botswana contract framework. Meanwhile, a 500% explosion in old mine-cut diamond sales, sparked by Taylor Swift, is rewriting retail trends. In episode four of The Diamond Dudes debate the structural forces reshaping natural and lab-grown retail economics.

De Beers’ Q1 2026 results point to a growing gap between what the market wants and what miners produce. While demand for larger, higher-value diamonds is strengthening, inventory dynamics suggest ongoing pressure in lower-value goods, raising questions about pricing, sales strategy, and the true state of demand.